Sparking a nutritious 'Stride'

NORTHFIELD, Ill. — The active gum category has a new functional addition. Kraft Foods recently introduced Stride Spark, a gum that contains vitamins B6 and B12, two essential nutrients known for helping to release energy in the body.

Manufacturers have been boosting new gum flavors with vitamins and supplements in an effort to help consumers meet their daily nutritional requirements and keep the category exciting. The strategy has worked — gum has seen steady growth over the past few years, outpacing many other confection segments.

Kraft’s new gum is available in two flavors — Kinetic Mint and Kinetic Fruit — and is said to contain 25% of the recommended daily value of those B vitamins. Suggested retail price is $1.49.